Wine Hang Tags

Last week I did a post about No Beer Purchase Required mail in rebate forms.

This week, I’d like to talk a little bit about Wine Hang Tags.

What exactly is a “wine hang tag” you may be asking? A wine tag is a coupon perk left on the shelf or wine bottle by the wine rep. Occasionally, there are pads of wine coupons (or beer coupons… like for ice). There are two types of wine hang tags, those that are used in conjunction with a wine purchase, and those that don’t require a wine purchase. Clearly the type that do not require a wine purchase are eagerly sought after. Some wine tags are state specific. Some can be used nationally, even in states that do not allow wine sales in the grocery store. The coupon may be for the wine itself, dollars off something with a wine purchase, or off bread, cheese, produce, meat, chicken, paper products, chocolates, eggs, wrapping paper, off anything, the list is endless and for products that seldom/never have manufacturer coupons off them.

Wine tags are found in the wine department of grocery stores, on special shippers or on end displays with wines being featured. Whether or not you will find any in your local wine representative and store management. Speaking to your wine rep if you have not seen any left in your store can help a great deal. If your store manager does not allow them, have a discussion with him/her and point out how these great tags can increase sales in their store.

Is it ok to take the tags? Except for a few local city laws, there is no law against taking the wine tag. Ethically, there could be a debate for days. If they are just laying there, they are on the floor, they are part of a tear pad, of course there is no question ethically or legally that you can take them.

Many people trade for wine tags and the going rate is pretty high, 25% or more. Folks look at as, well, if I pay $2 for a $4 off produce wine tag, I’m still ahead $2. The rarer the wine tag (like produce), the higher the trade-cost.

When folks ask how you can save on meat, produce, eggs, etc. wine tags are usually the answer. With that in mind, I would encourage all that have a wine department in their grocery store to look for wine tags. I know when I am visiting a state that allows grocery store wine sales I always stop and peruse. You never know what you will find!